This month we are pleased to continue our series of snapshots and thank Megan Davies, Head of Performing Arts and Director of Faith and Mission at Emmanuel College, Warrnambool, and Dee Mulay, HR Business Partner, Healthy Ageing from Mercy Health for sharing their projects with us.
Together in Mercy: A Staff Reflection Journal to Nurture Catholic Identity and Culture
Megan Davies
One of the greatest gifts of Catholic education is the opportunity to continually grow, not only as educators, but as people of faith. While strategic plans and improvement goals provide direction, it is our daily choices, relationships and witness that truly bring our mission to life.
With this in mind, l developed a Staff Reflection Journal – a practical and faith-filled resource designed to reconnect staff with our Mercy tradition, deepen understanding of our Catholic identity, and encourage purposeful reflection throughout the year.
The journal has been intentionally developed to align with both the College Strategic Improvement Plan and our Mercy Values, creating a bridge between strategic priorities and the lived experience of every staff member. Rather than viewing improvement as a series of tasks, the journal invites staff to consider how their everyday work reflects the Gospel, the charism of Catherine McAuley and the mission of Catholic education.
Structured around a fortnightly reflection cycle, each journal entry encourages staff to pause, reflect and engage in meaningful dialogue about their own practice. Every fortnight includes:
- a focus connected to the College Strategic Improvement Plan;
- a Scripture passage to inspire reflection;
- a quotation from Catherine McAuley that brings the Mercy charism to life;
- guided reflection questions that encourage personal and professional dialogue; and
- space for staff to consider how they are living the Mercy Values in their own sphere of influence.
At the conclusion of each term, staff are invited to complete a broader reflection, celebrating growth, identifying challenges and discerning future directions. These term reflections reinforce the understanding that Catholic education is an ongoing journey of formation rather than a destination.
The journal is not intended as a compliance document. Instead, it is an invitation –a gentle reminder to pause amidst the busyness of school life and reconnect with the deeper purpose of our vocation. Whether working in the classroom, administration, wellbeing, learning support, maintenance or leadership, every member of staff contributes to the Catholic culture of Emmanuel College and has a role in bringing Mercy to life.
Inspired by Catherine McAuley’s belief that “We should be shining lamps, giving light to all around us,” the journal encourages each staff member to recognise the profound impact of their everyday actions. Small moments of compassion, hospitality, justice, respect, service and courage become opportunities to witness Christ and strengthen our community.
By embedding reflective practice into the rhythm of each fortnight, the Staff Reflection Journal aims to cultivate a culture where Catholic identity is lived intentionally, Mercy values are visible in action, and every member of staff is invited into ongoing dialogue about what it means to educate with faith, hope and love.
Together, through reflection and shared purpose, we continue to ensure that the spirit of Mercy remains alive at Emmanuel College –guiding our work, shaping our relationships and inspiring us to serve our students and one another with compassion and hope.
| Dee Mulay
My mini project focused on strengthening leadership capability across services through my presentation on Compassionate Leadership for all Service Managers, complemented by a separate set of value‑building sessions for frontline staff and clinicians on Positive Workplace Culture, Professional Conduct, and Civil Communication. The project aimed to build practical leadership skills, reinforce behavioural expectations, and support a respectful and safe workplace environment. For managers, the Compassionate Leadership component highlighted how empathy, clarity and supportive behaviours influence team culture, communication and staff wellbeing. For frontline staff, the value‑building content promoted consistent standards and strengthened interpersonal communication. This work directly aligned with my role as a middle leader, where I am responsible for developing manager capability, modelling organisational values and ensuring professional standards are upheld. Delivering these sessions enabled me to support leaders, influence culture and reinforce consistent expectations across multiple services. Key steps included recognising the need for leadership support, developing structured and practical content, facilitating reflective discussions with managers and delivering tailored sessions to frontline staff. Managers reported improved awareness of their communication and leadership behaviours and frontline staff benefited from reinforced expectations. Through this project, I strengthened my confidence in guiding leaders, enhanced my facilitation skills and deepened my understanding of how compassionate leadership contributes to safer, more supportive workplaces. I shared my learning through presentations, discussions, real‑world examples and aligned messaging across all staff groups.
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